Seven Madagascar tree boas born at Zoo Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Zoo Knoxville welcomed seven new Madagascar tree boas on Wednesday in the first successful breeding of the species in the United States this year.

According to Zoo Knoxville, breeding Madagascar tree boas is a delicate process, and there are fewer than 40 Madagascar tree boas in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). To breed the species, Zoo Knoxville needed to simulate the temperature fluctuations and humid conditions of Madagascar’s rainy season by gradually exposing the mother to warmer springtime temperatures and increased moisture.

With enhanced resources and facilities at the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus, Zoo Knoxville said it successfully bred Madagascar tree boas for the first time in decades.

In the wild, Madagascar tree boa populations are at risk due to habitat loss from deforestation and mining. They are also impacted by illegal wildlife trade.

“Most of the reptiles and amphibians found on Madagascar are unique to Madagascar,” said Heather Debord, Zoo Knoxville herpetologist. “They are at risk of disappearing forever if we don’t protect their habitats.  These seven little snakes are not only important to the conservation of their species, but also allow Zoo Knoxville to share what we have learned to help our colleagues at other zoos advance their breeding efforts.”

According to the Peoria Zoo in Illinois, which is AZA accredited, Madagascar tree boas give birth to live young, unlike most other snakes that lay eggs. The zoo explains that pregnancy lasts for six months, and the mother snakes usually give birth to fewer than 12 offspring at a time.

Seneca Park Zoo in New York, which is also AZA accredited, says that despite the species name, the Madagascar tree boa is most commonly found on the ground. The species primarily eats birds, bats and small, ground-dwelling mammals, Seneca Park Zoo added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.